2 January 2025

Join our campaign to make eye examinations a critical part of New Year health resolutions

Public health

We are asking the public to make eye health a priority in 2025 and provide top tips for good eye health.

As all optometrists know, good eye health isn’t just about seeing well and checking that glasses or contact lens are the correct prescription. Regular eye examinations play a crucial role in the early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure, often before other symptoms appear. 

We are encouraging all adults to make sure they attend their regular eye examination and members are invited to join our campaign and spread the word. 

Top tips for patients' eye health

  • Eat a healthy balanced diet: Eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy green veg like kale and spinach, may support good eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Following a healthy diet will also help maintain a healthy weight and keep blood pressure under control, reducing risk of conditions such as diabetes and stroke, which can affect vision.
  • Sun protection: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunshine has been linked to eye conditions including cataract and potentially to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients should make sure they have good quality, dark sunglasses with UV protection and the UKCA or CE mark. Exposure to winter sun can be just as damaging, so wearing sunglasses for winter driving in low sun which is more likely to cause glare, is just as important. 
  • Regular screen time detoxes: With more people spending longer on digital devices, the importance of protecting our eyes from strain is greater than ever. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple, free and effective habit for screen users: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This brief pause relaxes the eye muscles, helping to prevent the discomfort, dryness, and blurred vision often associated with prolonged screen time.

Patient tips for an easy eye exam experience

  • Patients can search for their nearest local optometrist on LookAfterYourEyes.org
  • Many people in the UK qualify for a free NHS funded sight test, including those over 60, children under 16, and people receiving support like Universal Credit. Eligibility can be checked on the NHS website. In Scotland, everybody is able to access an NHS funded sight test
  • Current glasses should be brought along to the next appointment to check they still fit properly
  • Further health advice can be found on LookAfterYourEyes.org

Make sure your practice is listed on our member directory and sign in to download the social media assets below:

Related news

College urges eye health to be prioritised in its response to NHS 10-Year Plan
Advancing optometry Consultations Public health England

CCEHC responds to NHS England’s 10-Year Health Plan
CCEHC Public health England

The College presents evidence at parliamentary hearing on The Safer Phones Bill
Children Myopia Policy Public health

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